New Zealand has become the third team to qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 after defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in Nelson today in the second match of their IWC series.

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The win took New Zealand to 24 points from 20 matches as it joined Australia and England in the list of direct qualifiers. New Zealand and Pakistan will play the last match of their three-match ICC Women’s Championship series on November 19.

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The West Indies has finished its engagements with 22 points on the points table while South Africa can reach a maximum of 23 points if it beats Australia 3-0 in an upcoming series.

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The top four sides from the ICC Women’s Championship gain direct qualification while the bottom four sides will have to qualify through the 10-team ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo from 7-21 February.

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New Zealand captain Suzie Bates was excited at the prospect of playing the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.

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“It’s a great feeling to have qualified direct for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. Coming through the ICC Women’s Championship has been challenging, but we have enjoyed every bit of it. The experience of playing in different conditions will go a long way in our overall development as a team.

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“We’re all thrilled and can't wait for next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup and our goal is to be there at Lord’s for the final on 23 July.

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“The World Cup is obviously the showpiece event for women’s cricket and every team wants to go out there and do the best it possibly can. Our aim now is to prepare in the best possible manner for this pinnacle tournament on the women's calendar.”